By Carol Memmott, USA Today
AMC announced today that its blockbuster zombie thriller, The Walking Dead,
has, no surprise, been picked up for a fourth season. It also
announced that showrunner and executive producer Glen Mazzara is leaving
the show.
According to a statement released jointly with Mazzara,
"the two parties have mutually decided to part ways. Glen guided the
series creatively for seasons 2 and 3. AMC is grateful for his hard
work. We are both proud of our shared success."
The announcement
also said that AMC and Mazzara had "a difference of opinion about where
the show should go moving forward, and conclude that it is best to part
ways. This decision is amicable and Glen will remain on for
post-production on season 3B as showrunner and executive producer."
Almost
immediately, show creator Robert Kirkman released his own statement
saying he fully supported AMC and Mazzara in the decision and that he
understood it was made in the best interest of the show.
"I thank Glen for his hard work and appreciate his many contributions to The Walking Dead
and look forward to working with him as we complete post production on
Season 3," Kirkman said. "I am also excited to begin work on another
spectacular season of this show that I know means so much to so many
people. This show has always been the result of a wide range of
extremely talented men and women working tirelessly to produce their
best work collectively. I believe the future is bright for The Walking Dead. Thank you to the fans for your continued support."
Executive producer Gale Anne Hurd released her own statement: "I am appreciative and grateful to Glen for his hard work on The Walking Dead.
I am supportive of AMC and Glen's decision and know that the series is
in great hands with one of the most talented and dedicated casts and
crews in the business. I look forward to the show's continued success."
No word on who will pick up showrunner duties when Mazzara leaves.